Description
Alexander Blazys, a Lithuanian immigrant, became a leading sculptor in Cleveland during the 1920s, when he created The City Fettering Nature for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s grounds. In this composition, Utility and Beauty, two characteristics of the city, are shown as intertwined figures attempting to subdue Nature’s power. The brawny figure of Nature, still standing despite this attack, struggles to free himself from the restraints.
Provenance
the cast was sent to the foundry of Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, where it was cast in bronze by Giovanni Polizzoti, a teacher at the College, with the aid of two students; the bronze was returned and installed on the lawn north of the Museum, 12/14/1927.
Accession Number
1927.211
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
without base: 235.6 x 177.8 x 104.2 cm (92 3/4 x 70 x 41 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. B. P. Bole, Leonard C. Hanna Jr., John L. Severance and F. F. Prentiss